Home › Illinois › Ottawa › Ottawa Canyon Trailhead
Ottawa Canyon Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 54 Google reviews · Running trail in Ottawa, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Ottawa Canyon Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Trail-filled site with 3 canyons, a waterfall and scenic rock walls.
What runners say about Ottawa Canyon Trailhead
“excellent place to walk as a couple or as a family, very beautiful waterfalls and the trail is very fun”
The marker is where the parking lot is. Trail starts on right side of lot when facing away from road. Path winds to the left and then you come across the Council Overhang! (Wow never been in the place like this.
Love this short walk from Parking lot. Waterfall within .5 miles. Can be very muddy so wear waterproof hiking boots or rubber boots. It’s within a canyon. Very cool!!!
I love this hike regardless of water veracity at the falls. No water or deluge, I love this canyon.
This is the trailhead you want for quick sightseeing. Really cool rock formations around here that are quite large. Take a picture of the map at the trailhead because there are many trails from what I’ve seen. The waterfall is cool, I went at a time the water flow was very low, but it was still there.
Trail conditions & character
“excellent place to walk as a couple or as a family, very beautiful waterfalls and the trail is very fun”
“This is the trailhead you want for quick sightseeing.”
“Somewhat muddy and wet, all the back hiking into the canyons are absolutely worth it.”
Plan your run at Ottawa Canyon Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitestarvedrocklodge.com
Running trails near Ottawa
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Illinois Canyon
4.8 ★★★★★ 127 reviews
Mellow, circa 1-mile hike featuring a winding creek and waterfalls, plus canyon views.
Starved Rock State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 17,508 reviews
Hiking, fishing & boating in a historic landmark area with canyons & trails plus a lodge & cabins.
I&M Canal State Trail Access - Buffalo Rock
4.8 ★★★★★ 6 reviews
River Bluff Trail Trailhead
5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews